An addition to the standard E 63 AMG, Mercedes-AMG also announced an S-model variant that boosts the power on tap even further to 430 kW at 5500 RPM and 800 Nm between 1750 and 5000 RPM. Drivers who utilise their right foot a little more sparingly are able to see a fuel economy figure of 9.9 litres per 100 km, compared to the standard model’s 9.8 litres per 100 km.

Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h takes just 4.1 seconds in the E 63 AMG S (4.2 seconds in the standard variant), whilst the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. The E 63 AMG sends the power to the rear wheels via its AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. In addition, drivers will for the first time also able to opt for Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, as well as an optional AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system (exclusive to the S-model) to provide some added stopping power.

The new E 63 AMG sports a more attractive face thanks to the incorporation of a
'twin blade' radiator grille and new 'A wing' front apron.

Sportier ride

Besides the carbon ceramic braking system, E 63 AMG S buyers can also add a differential lock on the rear axle, which delivers additional traction, especially whilst going all out on a racetrack.

Both E 63 AMG models feature AMG’s Ride Control sports suspension with electronically controlled damping system. By simply pressing the button marked with a shock absorber on the AMG Drive Unit, drivers are able to switch the electronics from Comfort (for daily commute) to Sport (firmer ride for sportier runs) or Sport plus (sportiest mode for track days).

The interior cabin of the E 63 AMG makes for an elegant rendezvous of technology, stately style, comfort, and practicality. 

Safer car

Mercedes has equipped the new E 63 AMG with a plethora of safety assistance systems, many of which come standard such as pre-safe brake and active parking assist. The former can detect pedestrians or slow moving traffic ahead of the car and initiate autonomous braking in order to avoid a collision at speeds up to 50 km/h, while the latter enables automated parking with active steering and brake control.

Optional safety tech includes active lane keeping assist which is now able to detect when the adjacent lane is occupied, in particular by oncoming traffic, and will upon a risk of a collision, prevent the vehicle from leaving its lane by applying the brakes only on one side of the car.

Pricing

The new E 63 AMG sports a potent pricetag to match its performance, coming to R1 275 604 (including VAT and carbon tax). This highly exclusive price includes Mercedes-Benz’s PremiumDrive maintenance package of six years or 100 000 km.

Buyers opting for the forthcoming (Q3 2013) E 63 AMG ‘S’ will see their bank balance dipping even further south, thanks to its recommended retail price of R1 396 604.

In other car related news, Hyundai recently provided its flagship sedan - the Sonata - with a bit more power in the form of the new Sonata 2.4 GDI Elite.